Police investigating the disappearance of Nicola Bulley are said to have requested the assistance of a lead investigator from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
It's been over three weeks now since the 45-year-old went missing in St Michaels on Wyre, Lancashire, with the force no closer to finding Nicola in their investigation.
The mum-of-two was last seen just after 9.00am January 27, walking her springer spaniel Willow near the River Wyre - with her phone and dog being found close by her route soon after.
Read more: Police identify body pulled from River Wyre as missing mum Nicola Bulley
The Mirror reports the police set out to find Ms Bulley shortly after she was reported missing, but she's yet to be located. After a series of failed searches, Lancashire Police drafted in one of the UK's top detectives in a bid to finally make a major breakthrough.
The officer led a specialist team from the NCA, which is the agency that usually deals with organised crime and trafficking. Most recently, the detective worked on the case of murdered police community support officer Julia James, according to The Sunday Times.
Ms James, 53, was killed by Callum Wheeler, 22, after he ambushed her while she walked her dog near to her Kent home. Wheeler was later handed a life sentence, and was told he'd serve a minimum 37 years in prison.
The top investigator - who hasn't been named - reportedly advised Lancashire Police to bring external experts into the search. That could include a digital media specialist, forensic clinical psychologists, and even a dog behavioural specialist.
Lancashire Police was criticised earlier this week for disclosing personal details about Ms Bulley's "vulnerabilities". Privacy campaigners raised concerns about the police's release of private details into the public domain.
The force subsequently confirmed it would conduct an internal review into the investigation. Meanwhile, Ms Bulley's dad, 73-year-old Ernie, said the family was desperate for answers. The family released an emotional statement earlier this week, appealing directly to the missing mum.
They wrote: "Nikki, we hope you are reading this and know that we love you so much and your girls want a cuddle. We all need you home. You can reach out to us, or you can contact MissingPeople.org.uk. Don’t be scared, we all love you so very much."
Read next:
- Nicola Bulley's family releases fresh statement as search runs into third week
- Nicola Bulley: Live updates as search expert makes U-turn over missing mum
- Nicola Bulley's final three conversations before missing mum vanished shared by police
- Nicola Bulley latest as police say there is still 'no evidence' of third-party involvement
- Nicola Bulley's sister makes urgent plea as widespread search for missing mum continues
